Uptown Fatal Shooting Was Gang-Related, Ald. James Cappleman Says

CHICAGO — Ald. James Cappleman (46th) said the fatal shooting in Uptown Monday afternoon was gang-related.

"Anytime we have gang violence, it's not only a loss for the family, it's also a loss for the community," the alderman told a group of more than 20 residents at the scene of the shooting in the 900 block of West Agatite Avenue.

The incident occurred at 2:50 p.m., according to Officer Thomas Sweeney, a police spokesman. The man, of unknown age, was shot in his chest and pronounced dead at the scene.

Cappleman told the crowd that the victim was a "rival gang member" who was shot and pronounced dead on arrival.

Cappleman said his office has seen lot of kids dropping out of programs, which leads to gun violence. He said he's looking at possible factors, and wants to focus on finding jobs for those kids.

"It's this here that makes me want to keep them in the house," said Uptown resident Jackie Wilson, gesturing at her niece. Wilson had just picked her up from nearby McCutcheon Elementary School when she saw the police tape and the crowd beginning to form.

"This ain't nothing," she added, referring to the gang violence in the neighborhood.

Another nearby resident, Diane Alexander, said she believes the gun violence will only increase as the weather continues to heat up.

Another woman said she was inside her nearby apartment when she heard four or give gunshots from her window. As she was running out of her door to find out what happened, she heard sirens.

"Someone else [told me] as soon as it gets nice, expect more shootings," said the woman, who identified herself only as "Heidi" and said she has lived in Uptown for the past five years. "A lot of people who live in this neighborhood are used to this."

Heidi said while she used to see more officers around, she "hasn't seen more police out" recently.

A couple of weeks ago on Feb 21, Demarcus Adams was fatally shot in Uptown in the 1300 block of West Leland Avenue. Cappleman said Adams was a known P-Stone gang member, a convicted felon and was seen near a building that has a history of criminal activity.

Last week, residents and community leaders convened at an Uptown CAPS meeting, where Town Hall District police officers told the crowd that shootings in Uptown are rare compared to other neighborhoods.

They also urged residents to call 911 to report suspicious activity. They believe P-Stone gang members have migrated to the 4600 block of North Malden Avenue.